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Criminal litigation in Hasselt refers to the investigation and prosecution of conduct that the Belgian law defines as criminal. Cases begin with police inquiries and decisions by the Public Prosecutor, and they may proceed to the courts in the judicial district of Limburg, where Hasselt is the provincial capital. Proceedings are governed by the Belgian Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. In Hasselt, cases are handled in Dutch, with the right to an interpreter for anyone who does not speak the language of the proceedings.
The system is inquisitorial. The police and the Public Prosecutor lead the investigation, an investigating judge can be appointed for serious or complex matters, and the courts decide guilt and sentence. Most cases are heard in the correctional court of the Court of First Instance Limburg or the police court for traffic matters. The most serious crimes can be tried by the Assize Court of the province of Limburg. Appeals from Hasselt go to the Court of Appeal in Antwerp, and questions of law can ultimately be reviewed by the Court of Cassation in Brussels.
You should seek a criminal lawyer in Hasselt if you are invited to a police interview, arrested, searched, or charged, or if you receive a summons to appear in the police court or correctional court. Having a lawyer is especially important if there is a risk of pre-trial detention, if you face driving disqualification, if digital devices have been seized, or if you are a non-Belgian national concerned about immigration consequences.
A lawyer can attend police questioning, protect your right to silence, request access to key parts of the file, challenge an arrest warrant, argue for release under conditions or electronic monitoring, negotiate with the prosecutor about a settlement or guilty plea procedure, and represent you at trial and on appeal. If you are a victim, a lawyer can help you file a complaint, become a civil party to claim compensation, and follow up your rights during the investigation and trial.
Stages of a case. A case often starts with a police report or complaint. The Public Prosecutor decides whether to dismiss, propose an out-of-court settlement, summon you directly to court, or request a judicial investigation by an investigating judge. In a judicial investigation, coercive measures such as searches or wiretaps require judicial authorization. If the prosecutor summons you, the case goes to the police court for minor traffic offences or the correctional court for most other matters. The most serious crimes can be sent to the Assize Court.
Police custody and arrest. Police can hold a suspect for questioning for up to 24 hours. To keep someone longer, an investigating judge must issue an arrest warrant. The person must be brought before the council chamber of the court within a short time for review of the detention. Continued detention is reviewed periodically, and decisions can be appealed to the chamber of indictment at the Court of Appeal.
Right to a lawyer and to silence. From the first interrogation about an offence, you have the right to consult a lawyer, to have a lawyer present during questioning in most cases, and to remain silent. These safeguards are often called Salduz rights. You also have the right to be informed of the allegations in a language you understand and to an interpreter if needed.
Release options. Belgium does not use a bail bond system. Instead, the court can order release under conditions, with or without financial guarantees, or electronic monitoring. Your lawyer can propose a plan that reduces the risk of flight or reoffending.
Alternative outcomes. For certain offences, the prosecutor can offer an out-of-court settlement upon payment and conditions, which ends the case without a conviction. There is also a guilty plea procedure in which the court can approve a negotiated sentence if you accept responsibility. Mediation in penal matters can be used in some cases, especially where victim-offender dialogue is appropriate.
Courts in and around Hasselt. Traffic offences are handled by the police court. Most misdemeanors and many felonies corrected to misdemeanors are heard by the correctional court within the Court of First Instance Limburg, with a division in Hasselt. Juvenile matters go to the juvenile court. Appeals go to the Court of Appeal in Antwerp. The Assize Court of the province of Limburg hears the gravest crimes with a jury.
Evidence and procedure. Searches of homes generally require a warrant, except in emergency or in flagrante delicto situations. Seizures of phones and computers follow specific protocols, and you can request that a lawyer oversee sealed data analysis. Illegally obtained evidence can be challenged. Deadlines for filing objections, opposition to default judgments, and appeals are short, and missing them can finalize a conviction.
Traffic law specifics. Hasselt residents often encounter immediate withdrawal of a driving license after certain violations such as high intoxication or very high speed. The prosecutor may propose an immediate settlement or summon you quickly to the police court. Sanctions can include fines, driving bans, alcohol interlock, and mandatory courses.
Victims and civil claims. Victims can file a complaint with the police or the prosecutor. In many cases, victims can join the criminal case as a civil party to claim damages. Specialized victim support services operate through the Houses of Justice and at the prosecutor’s office.
Language and non-Belgian nationals. Proceedings in Hasselt are conducted in Dutch. If you do not understand Dutch, you are entitled to an interpreter and to translations of essential documents. Non-Belgian nationals should also consider potential residence impacts of criminal proceedings and convictions.
No. You have the right to remain silent. You can identify yourself, but you are not required to answer substantive questions about the facts. Ask to consult a lawyer before any interrogation and request your lawyer to be present when the questioning starts.
Yes. In Belgium, you have the right to consult a lawyer before the first interrogation and to have a lawyer present during most interrogations. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can request a duty lawyer. Tell the police you want a lawyer and do not waive this right unless you have received legal advice.
Police custody for questioning is limited to a maximum of 24 hours. To detain you longer, an investigating judge must issue an arrest warrant. If that happens, a court will review the detention very quickly and then at regular intervals. Your lawyer can seek release or release under conditions.
Traffic matters are heard in the police court. Most other cases go to the correctional court of the Court of First Instance Limburg, which sits in Hasselt. Very serious crimes can be referred to the Assize Court of the province of Limburg. Appeals from judgments go to the Court of Appeal in Antwerp.
Contact a criminal lawyer immediately. Your lawyer can request access to the case file, advise on your plea, gather evidence, and represent you at the hearing. Do not ignore the summons. Failing to appear can lead to a default judgment and immediate enforcement of penalties.
Sometimes. For eligible offences, the prosecutor may propose an out-of-court settlement that closes the case if you comply with the conditions, typically payment. There is also a guilty plea procedure where a negotiated sentence is submitted to the court. Your lawyer will advise on eligibility, consequences, and whether a proposal is in your interest.
Yes. Convictions are recorded in the criminal register. What appears on the extract you can obtain from your municipality depends on the model of extract requested and the purpose. Certain judicial measures such as suspension of pronouncement can limit the impact. Your lawyer can explain the practical consequences for employment, licensing, and travel.
Deadlines are short. The time limit to appeal or to file opposition against a default judgment is measured in days from notification or pronouncement and is strictly enforced. Speak to a lawyer immediately after any judgment to preserve your rights. Filing late usually makes the decision final.
You have the right to an interpreter during questioning and court hearings and to translations of essential documents. If you are a foreign national, certain convictions can affect residence status. A criminal lawyer can coordinate with an immigration specialist when needed.
You can file a complaint with the police or the Public Prosecutor and, in many cases, join the criminal proceedings as a civil party to claim damages. Victim support services at the House of Justice and at the prosecutor’s office can assist. A lawyer can help quantify your losses, secure expert reports, and present your claim in court.
Public Prosecutor’s Office Limburg in Hasselt. Handles criminal complaints, prosecution decisions, and victim information. You can inquire about the status of a case and victim services.
Court of First Instance Limburg in Hasselt. Hosts the correctional court and juvenile court for the district. The registry can inform you about hearing dates and basic procedural matters.
Police Court Hasselt. Handles traffic offences, driving disqualifications, and related matters. The summons indicates the date, time, and courtroom.
Court of Appeal Antwerp. Hears appeals from Limburg criminal cases, including detention appeals at the chamber of indictment.
Politiezone Limburg Regio Hoofdstad. The local police zone for Hasselt and surroundings for reporting offences and follow-up on police reports.
House of Justice Hasselt. Provides victim support services, assistance with mediation in penal matters, and supervision of judicial measures.
Balie Limburg. The local bar association coordinating the duty lawyer service for interrogations and providing information about legal aid and pro bono representation.
Orde van Vlaamse Balies. The Flemish bar organization with general information on criminal procedure rights and legal aid.
Municipality of Hasselt Service for Criminal Record Extracts. Issues extracts of the criminal record needed for employment or licensing.
Just-on-web and Federal Public Service Justice portals. Government platforms where you can manage certain fines, check case references, and find official information. Ask your lawyer which services apply to your situation.
Do not wait. If you have been contacted by the police, searched, received a summons, or believe you are under investigation, speak to a criminal lawyer in Hasselt immediately. Early advice can prevent mistakes and protect your rights.
Preserve documents. Keep all paperwork, emails, device seizure reports, and any video or messages that may be relevant. Share them securely with your lawyer. Do not post about your case on social media.
Assert your rights. If the police invite you for questioning, clearly request a lawyer, ask for an interpreter if needed, and exercise your right to silence until advised by counsel.
Discuss strategy. With your lawyer, decide whether to contest the facts, seek dismissal, request release under conditions, explore settlement or guilty plea options, or prepare for trial. Ask about consequences for your driving license, employment, and immigration status.
Mind deadlines. Opposition to default judgments, appeals, and applications for release are subject to strict and short deadlines, often counted in days. Put all hearing dates and limits in your calendar and act early.
Consider legal aid. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about second-line legal aid through the Balie Limburg and first-line advice services at the House of Justice. Bring proof of income and identity when applying.
This guide is general information. Criminal law and procedure change and outcomes depend on the specific facts. For tailored advice about criminal litigation in Hasselt, consult an experienced criminal defence lawyer without delay.
